The daily air bath is as much needed as the water, and should be given, with exercise and rubbing, if the water bath cannot be taken at the regular time. It is a tonic for the skin and gives the exercise to the nerves that cultivates resistance against colds.
Sun Baths. Sun baths, judiciously given, are also of great vitalizing value. In warm weather (70°-90° F.) children should be allowed to play outdoors with minimum of clothing, as sandals, white rompers or bathing trunks, and a light sun hat, for several hours a day, avoiding exposure of too hot sun (over 80°). Children not accustomed to this must begin gradually and may have a preliminary oil rub, to prevent either chill or sunburn. In cool weather, this may be given in the house, although the benefits are not so great, as the most effective (the violet) rays do not penetrate through glass. White or light colored clothing permits the penetration of light rays to the skin, and dark clothing prevents this; the former, therefore, is of greater vitalizing value. The sun and light baths are of great therapeutic value with nervous or anemic children. The tanning of the skin gives remarkable resistance.
The development of resistance through judicious use of baths and light, combined with deep breathing, would greatly reduce the mortality from colds, pneumonia, tuberculosis, which are the chief causes of death after infancy.
The Hands. Cleanliness of the hands is highly important both for sanitary and moral reasons. Therefore teach the child from babyhood, by example and precept, to always wash the hands:
1. Before touching food, either for eating, serving, or preparation, as a safeguard against infection
2. After eating, to prevent soiling of clothes, furniture, toys
3. After going to the toilet
4. Before going to bed
5. Before touching the eyes
The finger nails should be cleaned with an orange stick once a day, and before meals whenever dirty. To prevent hangnails, press the cuticle back around the nail every day. Trim finger nails round. A soft hand brush and Hand Sapolio, almond meal, or corn meal may be necessary for very dirty hands. Always dry thoroughly to prevent chapping, and in cold weather apply a lotion.